Michael Pettis is a distinguished professor of finance at the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University, where he has made significant contributions to the understanding of global economic dynamics. His expertise in finance is complemented by his role as a nonresident senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he engages in critical discussions on international economic policies and their implications.

Pettis began his professional journey in 1987 at Manufacturers Hanover, now part of JPMorgan Chase, where he excelled as a trader in the Sovereign Debt group. His analytical skills and strategic insights led him to Bear Stearns, where he served as a managing director-principal in Latin American capital markets from 1996 to 2001. During this time, he advised sovereign governments, including those of Mexico and South Korea, on financial management, showcasing his ability to navigate complex economic landscapes.

In addition to his finance career, Pettis is a passionate advocate for the arts, having co-founded the punk-rock nightclub D22 in Beijing. This venue not only became a cultural hub but also allowed him to establish the label Maybe Mars, further enriching the local music scene. Although D22 closed in 2012, Pettis’s vision for fostering artistic expression remains influential.

As an author, Pettis has published several impactful works, including “The Great Rebalancing” and “Trade Wars Are Class Wars,” which address pressing economic issues. His writings reflect his deep understanding of economic restructuring and the challenges posed by rising inequality, making him a sought-after speaker and expert in global economic discussions.